Pig Farming

Pig Welfare and Social Learning

Pigs learn from observing other pigs, with social learning having implications for welfare through transmission of both beneficial behaviours and vices.

Key Facts

Pigs learn to use novel feeders and water sources faster when they can observe experienced pen-mates
Social learning can transmit tail biting behaviour from individual biters to others in a pen
Positive welfare behaviours including foraging and play can also spread through social learning
Training pigs to cooperate with husbandry procedures spreads more rapidly in group settings
Social learning is faster than individual trial-and-error for complex tasks in pigs

Welfare Considerations

Social learning is a double-edged welfare factor in pig farming. It can spread beneficial behaviours and training faster through groups, reducing handling stress across pen-mates. It can also transmit harmful vices including tail biting from individual animals to group members. Understanding social learning enables management strategies that harness positive social transmission while minimising negative contagion of harmful behaviours.

What You Can Do

Support pig welfare research on social learning and behaviour transmission
Advocate for rapid isolation of tail biters to prevent social transmission through pens
Choose pork from farms using positive training approaches that benefit from social learning